Dogs are usually emotionally dependent on their owners. Some dogs are very intelligent, though that is not my point. Dogs thrive on companionship and usually accept their rightful position as subjects to their owner's discipline and command. I'm sure they understand when they're being respected and disrespected, but I think it's safe to say they assume a position of subordination with respect to their owners.

Cats on the other hand, are usually much more emotionally independent of their owners. They can also be very intelligent, though are not bound (do not depend) on their owners for companionship. As a result, they can be viewed as "less playful" and "boring." In actuality, they simply do not assume the same level of emotional subordination to their owners as dogs. Obviously it depends on the specific cat, but I have seen cats more playful with people than some dogs. Some are also not very interested in people and prefer other activities, such as catching birds and other animals in the backyard as it's just that much more exciting (think about it--what would you rather do if you were an animal?).

Whether a person likes dogs or cats is pretty obviously usually rooted in their childhood family experiences. Regardless of the cause, I think relationships between cat-owners and dog-owners and their respective pets are very different for the above reasons, and as a result, the 2 types of pet owners often do not understand each other. Whereas some owners prefer (or are used to) the subordinative emotional attachment of their pets, other prefer a companionship on a different level which may appear non-existent to some which haven't experienced it.

I have been a cat owner my entire childhood, but will most likely raise a dog as a pet sometime after I settle down in the next 2-3 years.

A good cat will be personable yet independent. It might sit on your lap while you read or watch TV, it might prefer to sleep on a pile of folded laundry, or go outside and chase animals. At the risk of offending dog people (and I love dogs too, and I'm not saying one pet is better than another), I'll make the very general analogy that if dogs are like small children in that they require a lot of care and attention, and give lots of love in return, a cat is like a teenager, obviously dependent on it's owner but prefers some space as well, can be somewhat defiant, with a much more "unique" and often strong personality.

It really depends on the owner's preferences and lifestyle. A mature cat can be left alone much longer than dog owner's I know are comfortable doing so, and believe me they will let you know they missed you when you get back. And of course, just like there are "bad" dogs, there are bad cats, the difference being dogs behavior seems to typically be more trainable, while a "bad" cat will likely prefer to be disassociated for it's life. In the end, they aren't really comparable as pets. If you prefer dogs, you just do, just like if you prefer cats, you just do.

Why do people like cats?
you cant walk them
they dont provide much companionship ( like a dog)
they dont bark
they dont fetch
they dont really like to play with people

do people have cats just because "they look pretty"

I have a Maine Coon Cat (look them up, they are sweet)

We taught my cat to walk with a harness on. He's a tad over 2 feet nose to butt (not including his tail which is another good foot at least). This way when we take him to the vet we don't have to put him in a crate.

He sleeps up against either my GF or I every night and in the morning he sees you open your eyes he starts to lick your hands. He also gives "kisses" on command and will hold out his paw for you.

As far as playing, he loves to play with ribbons and goes nuts when you brush him. When you leave for the day he stares out the window all day long until you come back.

I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as well and love it just as much as my cat. Dogs and Cats both bring you happiness in different ways.

We taught my cat to walk with a harness on. He's a tad over 2 feet nose to butt (not including his tail which is another good foot at least). This way when we take him to the vet we don't have to put him in a crate.

He sleeps up against either my GF or I every night and in the morning he sees you open your eyes he starts to lick your hands. He also gives "kisses" on command and will hold out his paw for you.

As far as playing, he loves to play with ribbons and goes nuts when you brush him. When you leave for the day he stares out the window all day long until you come back.

I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as well and love it just as much as my cat. Dogs and Cats both bring you happiness in different ways.

To me pets are something that are best enjoyed while relaxing. Not that we don't play from time to time, but I don't want to be active with my pets most of the time. *shrug*... Never something I've been interested in.

I had a dog growing up.. and I loved him to death. We did everything together. I lived on a big farm so he'd chase me around on my bike, he'd go fishing with me, it was great. Now that I'm older and have other responsibilities that take up my time, a dog just isn't something I want or could deal with right now..

Probably get another one when my kids decide they want one, but I doubt I'd ever get one for myself.